Hat-trick for Humphries in Dublin

LUKE Humphries was at his clinical best to seal a hat-trick of Premier League wins in Dublin on Thursday night.

The world number one and reigning world champion saw off Peter Wright and Nathan Aspinall before impressively defeating Michael Smith 6-2 in the final.

It gave Humphries control at the top of the standings, following wins in Brighton and Nottingham in the previous two weeks.

The 29-year-old won the first four legs to take control of the showdown against Smith and ultimately wrapped up victory with double 16.

“The last three weeks have been fantastic,” Humphries told Sky Sports afterwards. “The standard has been high.

“I’m not unbeatable, but I’m putting in performances where it takes something big to beat me and nobody has done that so far.

“I’m just happy with the way I’m playing and if I keep playing like this then it will take a tough performance to beat me – that’s all I ask of myself.

“If someone beats me and I play well then I’m not too disappointed, but the last three weeks have been a dream.

“I’m really pleased with the fashion I’ve won the last three nights.”

Humphries extended his lead to seven points as closest rival Michael van Gerwen was beaten 6-5 by Gerwyn Price, who ended a run of four successive quarterfinal losses. Van Gerwen himself has now lost four opening games in a row after previously winning three consecutive nights.

Luke Littler, meanwhile, had a night to forget when he lost to Smith – for the third time – in the first round.

The 17-year-old succumbed 6-4, having led 3-1, his second quarter-final exit of the season.

It leaves him fifth in the table after Aspinall gained two points for edging Rob Cross 6-5.

“It’s my first year in the Prem. Some weeks have gone to plan and some weeks have not,” Littler said. “But it’s all about getting the points on the board. Obviously this is the halfway point, whatever happens from now until the end is the crucial part.”